RS400 demo available for trials and for the Noble Marine Rooster RS400 Nationals
by Sally Campbell 15 Mar 14:51 GMT
8-12 August 2022
Nick and James Oppe © RS UK Class Association
Due to a cancellation, one of our two RS400 demo boats has unexpectedly become available for the Noble Marine Rooster RS400 National Championships at East Lothian Yacht Club, 8th-12th August.
The RS Class Association fund the demo boats, which are looked after and transported by committee volunteers, to introduce new sailors to the fleet. One is based in England and the other in Scotland, both are available for trial sails and for events.
Nick and James Oppe recently sailed a demo RS400 and sent a message of thanks:
So, my brother and I had a dilemma last year. After desperately wanting to get back into sailing, after a 10-year break, which boat should we buy?
We both wanted a competitive boat and fleet. We genuinely felt overwhelmed with choice.
Buying a dinghy is never easy, especially when you have little experience prior to the purchase. Thankfully, one quick email to the RS400 Class Association & our journey begun. Sally and Andy were both extremely helpful and accommodated our many queries. We booked a test sail and were also invited to take part in club racing at Warsash. Naturally we both jumped at the opportunity.
When we arrived, Andy Powell enthusiastically talked us through the boat, rigging and club association benefits. The sailing experience was epic, and the racing even more so. I forget the results, which is probably a good thing!
We were both hooked on the RS400, not just because of the boat, but the whole association atmosphere, events and competitive racing. We both decided that the 400 was for us and purchased one a few months later.
Andy Powell kept in touch and offered invaluable advice for our purchase, steering us clear of buyers' pitfalls.
My brother and I have not looked back. We are proud owners of an RS400 and love racing her at CYC. The boat and class offer us everything we want and more.
We had not considered the RS400 as we were both unfamiliar with the class. Without the test drive experience or helpfulness of the RS400 Class Association, we feel this opportunity of such dynamic competitive sailing could have been missed.
A big thank you to all at the RS400 Class Association for helping us get our choice of boat so right!
James & Nick Oppe
Andrew le Grice had a similar experience "Many thanks to Andy Powell and the team for keeping the demo boat going. I jumped into it for a club race at Warsash and was soon looking to buy one. The boat's a great all-rounder, backed-up by a top Class Association.
Give the demo boat a go... but be prepared to open your wallet shortly after!'
To book your sail or enquire about booking the demo boat for the Nationals, please contact